Bella Thorne fans blast Bill Maher for ‘insensitive’ podcast interview
‘This is disgusting. Show some damn empathy,’ one person wrote
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bella Thorne’s fans are criticising Bill Maher for being “insensitive” towards the actor when she spoke about her anxiety.
On Monday’s (11 April) episode of Club Random Podcast, actor Thorne revealed details of her health issues and “crippling anxiety” and how she “fell into weed” as a result of it.
“Weed has really changed my life,” she said.
Maher then questioned the Time Is Up star, saying: “What is it with you kids and anxiety?”
“What is causing all the anxiety?” he asked.
Thorne attempted to explain, saying that there’s “constant bad, bad, bad everywhere you look”, when Maher interrupted her by saying that it was a “disingenuous argument” and that her generation “doesn’t know what’s going on in the world”.
“So how can you be that f***ing concerned about what’s going on in the world?” he questioned. “I know what’s going on in the world! I should have the anxiety! I follow it, you kids don’t follow it. You don’t know what the f*** is going on in the world! What are you upset about? What is the world’s problem?”
Thorne replied saying: “I think it’s definitely things that we know what’s going on. We don’t always necessarily always know the full story 100 per cent, but yeah we’re seeing it, we’re hearing it, [and] we’re vocal about it.”
Soon after the interview aired, many fans called out Maher for having “no empathy” toward sensitive issues.
“It’s truly low to poke fun at someone’s emotional and mental struggles,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another person added: “Sometimes @billmaher says and does things that are dead right but THIS is disgusting. Show some damn empathy.”
Raw Story editor Bob Brigham wrote: “‘I know what’s going on in the world!’ is the funniest thing Bill Maher has said in a very long time.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life, this makes me incredibly angry. And it makes me hate him even more. How dare he,” another person wrote.
The Independent has contacted Maher’s representatives for comment.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis organisation for specialist, independent and confidential support. For more information, visit their website here.